A biography for Chief Josephhasn’t been written yet.
“The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.”
“My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.”
“We ask to be recognized as men.”
“I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.”
“I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.”
“I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.”
“Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
“An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.”
“I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.”
“We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone.”
“My people were divided about surrendering.”
“We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy.”
“I know that my race must change.”
“I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.”
“I will speak with a straight tongue.”
“Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.”
“The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things that our people had never seen. They talked straight. These men were very kind.”
“Good words will not give me back my children.”
“The Indian race are waiting and praying.”
“From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.”